[NSRCA-discussion] weight limits for electrics?

Sat May 13 21:20:40 AKDT 2006

Larry,
 Sounds like you're doing fine. You are not over-powered by any means. No
such thing as too much power - it's like saying you have too much money! All
kidding aside, 200W / lb. is OK for pattern, but by no means excessive (as I
found out when I set up my Oxalys 50 electric). An OS 160 is about 2800
Watts. Oh yeah - now that's POWER. I fly that setup in Intermediate but I
also fly Advanced in practice. For Sportsman you don't need as much power
but in the Advanced sequence you'll be working real hard to make corners at
the top of vertical segments unless you have lotsa pull. Don't forget,
almost all pattern contests are flown in windy conditions (don't know why it
always seems to work out that way, but it does). Windy conditions need more
power. Now don't forget, if you lighten up the plane but still maintain the
power output you'll have more than 200W / lb. AND a plane that feels better
on the sticks. I would try to science out the batteries but don't let that
hold you back. Go out, fly and enjoy your first contest. You'll do better
than you think.
 Oh- You announce your take off and then you take off into the wind (no
duh!) after which you make the procedure turn (90 degrees in one direction,
then 270 in the opposite direction). Now you're headed downwind parallel to
the flight line. This is your "free" trim pass. Make sure the plane is
flying hands off. This part of your flight is not scored so make sure the
plane is trimmed NOW. You then need to turn around to head upwind and get
into the box. The best maneuver for this is the 1/2 reverse Cuban 8. Don't
do a stall turn! Do a 1/2 Cuban of some kind. Now, make sure you're about
150 meters (or slightly less) away from the flight line and get your wings
level. When you reach the box marker call "In the box". That's it. Fly your
sequence and may the Force be with you! Let us all know how you do at your
first contest. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun.
John Pavlick
http://www.idseng.com

 -----Original Message-----
From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org]On Behalf Of Larry
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2006 12:02 AM
To: NSRCA Mailing List
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] weight limits for electrics?

  Hi John,

  I am going to the Seattle, Washington, RAMS club annual pattern contest on
June 10,11.  http://www.seattlerams.com/

  I am looking forward to it even tho I have yet to actually fly a complete
pattern sequence even remotely correctly or in any way smoothly :) I'm still
not 100% sure how to get from "take off" to "in the box" for the first
maneuver!

  The Quest flew its 3rd thru 5th flights today in moderate gusty winds. It
handles very well so I am encouraged.

  Your comments about the extra weight actually being a handicap make me
feel better. I hadn't thought of it that way and that makes a lot of sense.

  I have already looked at ways to shave some weight. Between wheel pants
and some other small things, I could easily cut 3 to 4 ounces. To get the
rest of it I will need a different battery pack.

  The pack I'm flying now weighs about 45 oz . It is a 10S1P 5000 pack of
the new 20-30C cells from Enerland (Pollyquest,Hyperion,Tanic). They are
relatively heavy compared to ThunderPower Prolites. I could easily save well
over a pound if I went to 10S2P Prolite 4200 pack. That wouldn't be a
problem power wise or time wise because I could easily prop down to get the
same or longer run times. I'm grossly over powered now. Peak power out is
around 2280 watts with the current setup. - about 200 watts per pound. Way
more than needed for pattern flying. It sure is fun hearing people go "Wow!
That's electric???" when I take off and go vertical :)

  The problem with new, lighter packs is mainly cost. I'm looking at close
to $500 per pack. I don't plan to make it to the NATS any time soon, so I
guess I wont worry about it.

  I still think this needs to be addressed officially tho at some point.

  Larry

  P.S. Thanks to all for the warm welcomes!

  PPS - I always have my flame suit on - I've been hanging out on RC Groups
for years (VBG)
    ----- Original Message -----
    From: John Pavlick
    To: NSRCA Mailing List
    Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2006 8:25 PM
    Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] weight limits for electrics?

    Larry,
     Welcome! In reality, an overweight plane is not an "advantage". You're
not cheating even though the rules say the plane must weigh no more than
5Kg. You're only making your job harder. It would be in your best interest
to try and lighten it up somehow, but in the meantime don't worry. We don't
usually weigh planes at local contests. If you're flying in Sportsman then
you have nothing at all to worry about. Go to a contest with the plane
exactly the way it is now. When you're there, talk to some guys about weight
saving tips. You will learn a lot. That's what this is all about. You're 11
oz. overweight. That's pretty severe but I bet you could shave a lot of it
off if you tried. What batteries are you using? I took 6 oz. off of my Focus
(glow powered) with some very easy mods.

    John Pavlick
    http://www.idseng.com

    BTW - What contest are you going to later this month?

     -----Original Message-----
    From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org]On Behalf Of Larry
    Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2006 10:34 PM
    To: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
    Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] weight limits for electrics?

      Hi all,

      I am brand new to NSRCA and pattern flying in general. I am planning
to attend my first ever event later this month.

      I noticed in the rules that the weight limit is 5Kg without fuel.

      How does this apply as far as electric powered planes are concerned?
Are the batteries considered the fuel?

      I am asking because my plane is a Quest 90 G2 converted to electric
power and it weighs 4.04 Kg "dry" (no batteries) but it weighs 5.33 Kg fully
"fueled" with batteries installed.

      I have asked about this on RC Groups and been told not to worry, no
one weighs planes except at the NATS.

      Has there been any official word on this? I don't want to feel like
I'm cheating in a contest or "getting away" with something.

      Thanks!

      Larry

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